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ELECTRIC INDUCTIVE TRANSLATOR.

I No. 361,770. Patented Apr. 26, 1887.

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No. 361,770. Patented Apr. 26, 18 7.

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(No Model.) 7 Sheets-Shet 4.

W. MAIN. ELECTRIC INDUGTIVE TRANSLA'I'OR. No. 361,770. Patented Apr. 26, 1887.

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(No Model.) 7 Sheets-Sheet W. MAIN.

ELECTRIC INDUOTIVE TRANSLATOR.

N0. 361,'770. Patented Apr. 26, 1887.

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No. 361,770. Patented Apr. 26, 1887.

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ELEGTRIO INDUCTIVE TRANSLATOR. No. 361,770. Patented Apr. 26-, 1887. Fig. 11'.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE. n

\VILLIAM MAIN, OF BROOKLYN, NE\V YORK.

ELECTRIC INDUCTIVE TRANSLATOR.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 361,770, dated April 26, 1887.

Application filed September 8, 1886. Serial No. 212,976. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, WILLIAM. MAIN, a citizen'of the United States, residing in Brooklyn, in the county of Kings and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electric Inductive Translators, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to apparatus for translating hightension currents on one circuit into low-tension currents on another, or vice versa.

In the distribution of electric energy from a central source to a distant point where the current is consumed it is desirable to employ currents of high tension, in order that the loss of energy in transmission may be reduced to the minimum, and in order that the line-conductors maybe of small size and consequently inexpensive. The'transmission of such currents is thus conducive to economy both in the first cost and in the subsequent operation of theinstallation; but for those purposes wherein the consumed currents may be of considerable volume and low tension, notably in incandescence electric lighting, the transmission of high-tension currents over the line is inadmissible unless some means be provided for converting them into low-tension currents before they reach the consuming devices. It is also frequently desirable to feed various currentconsuming devices with electric. currents of different character, some of high tension and low volume, others of low tension and high volume, but all derived from the same source. These facts have led to the invention of various systems of electric distribution in which the character of the current is changed .by special devices before it is finally utilized. The following are the most important methods suggested for this purpose:

First, distribution through secondary batteries. The line or high-tension circuit is used to charge the accumulators, and when charged they are disconnected therefrom and connected to local circuits, being at the same time coupled in different order, whereby they supply to their local circuitcurrents of low tension and considerable volume, suitable for'incandescence lighting.

Second, distribution of alternating currents through iniluctiortcoils.-The'line is fed with high-tension alternating currents, which traverse in series the fine-wire primaries of induction coils. Thelocal circuits are connected in multiple to the coarse-wire secondaries of these coils, whereby alternating currents of high volume and low tension are induced in the local circuits.

Third, conver 'sion of continuous high tension into alternating low-tension currents.Tlie line is fed with high-tension currents, which are distributed by a commutator into the high-resistance primaries of a series of induction-coils entering them successively, and being alternately reversed in each coil. The low-resistance secondaries of the respective coils each feed a separate local circuit with alternating currents of low potential.

Fourth, conversion of continuous lineourrenis into continuous induced currents of difiercnt characterthrough inductive translators. The translator consists of a series of induction-coilswith primary and secondary commutators. The line is fed with (for example) high-tension currents, which are distributed through the primary commutator to the primaries of the induction-coils, which they enter successively, being alternately reversed in each coil. The alternating currents thereby induced in the secondary coils are collected and rectified by the secondary commutator and discharged to the local circuit as continuous currents of (for example) low tension and considerable volu me. The translator thus constructed may be proportioned to convert any character of current into a current of any other character.

The fourth of these systems affords the best promise of practical success, and it is mainly to this that my present invention relates, although it is in part applicable to the third system.

The inductive translator heretofore designed, on which my invention is most immediately an improvement, may be described as follows: The series of induction-coils consist of a Gramme ring wound with primary and secondary coils, with their terminals carried to the segments of the respective commutators. The ring and commutator-segments are stationary and the brushes of the two commutators are both mounted on one shaft and revolved together, whereby their synchronous movement is assured, or the ring and seg" ICO ments may revolve and the brushes may be stationary. The arrangement is thus essentially that of aseries of induction-coils with their primaries joined together and connected between them to the segments of the primary commutator and their secondaries joined together and connected to the segments of the secondarycommutator. Thelinecurrentthus flows through the primaries around opposite halves of the circle or ring on opposite sides of what may be termed a neutral line, which revolves with the commutator-brushes, and the currents induced in the secondary coils flow in opposite directions on opposite sides of another neutral line revolving with the first, but at right. angles thereto. Each primary coil receives the linecurrent in one direction until the neutral line in its revolution crosses it, whereupon the current is reversed for a half-revolution. The resulting induced currents are crossed by the secondary neutral line at the instant of their reversahand, as the secondary brushes at that instant reverse their relation to the external local circuit,they are rectified and discharged to that circuit as continnous currents. Exterior to the Gramme ring is arranged a magnetic bridge or body, which affords an inductive magnetic connection between the opposite poles of the ring, thereby intensifying the inductive action. This bridge rotates with the rotating poles of the ring and with-the rotating brushes of the commutators. By setting it to follow thepoles in their revolution it is made the means of imparting rotary motion to the brushes, thus constituting an electromotor, rendering the translator self-propellin My present invention eonstitutes'an improvement upon this machine, designed to perfect it for practical application.

The principal object of my invention is to provide means for regulating the machine and rendering it self-governing, in order that the character of current which it gives out may be determined within reasonable limits by means of suitable adjustments, and that when once thus determined the resulting current shall be maintained practically uniform.

My invention also has for its object to render the translator equally capable of receiving high-tension and giving out low-tension currents, or of receiving low-tension and delivering high-tension currents.

My invention also aims to perfect and develop the mechanical construction of the translator in order to render it more efficient and economical.

The preferred construction of my improved translatorconsists of a double-wound Gramme ring with its low-resistance eoilsjoined to the segments of one commutator, and its high-resistance coils joined to the segments of air other commutator. On a revolving shaft are the brushes of these commutators, one being set a quarter-revolution ahead of the other, and a magnetic bridge or yoke is carried by this shaft, with its ends in close proximity to the Gramme ring, thereby serving both as a magnetic connection between the opposite poles and also as a motor for driving the shaft. A brake is applied to govern the speed of lotation of this shaft, and the pressure 011 this brake is regulated by the action of electromagnets in such manner that the speed of retation is so proportioned as to attain a uniform potential or a uniform volume of current or other desired result, according to the adjustment. Switches are provided, by means of which various conditions may be effected for the control of the brake, in order to determine the character of current to be given out by the machine and adapt it for various uses.

I will now proceed to describe in detail the preferred form of my translator with refer ence to the accompanyingdrawings, wherein- Figure 1 is a plan view of the apparatus on a reduced scale. Fig. 2 is a vertical mid-section 011 a larger scale, cut in the plane of the line 2 2 in Fig. 1, and partly in elevation. Fig. 3 is a plan view, partly in horizontal section, cut in the plane of the line 3 3 in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a similar plan in section on the line 4 4 in Fig. 2. Figs. 5 and 6 are plans of details of the electrical connections detached, and Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the electrical circuits and connections. The remaining figures illustrate modifications. Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating the winding of the induction-coil like a Siemens armature. Fig. 9 is a side elevation of a translator with such winding. Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating the eircults and regulatingcoils. Fig. 11 is a plan of a translator which is governed by automatically-shifting commutator-brushes instead of by a brake, and Fig. 12 is a vertical transverse section thereof. 1

Referring to Figs. 1 to 4, let A designate the base of the apparatus, on which is mounted a fixed frame consisting of a horizontal plate, A, supported rigidly on four upright posts, A A. On the base is fixed the Gram me ring B and the two commutators O and D. In the center of the ring is stepped an upright shaft, E, the upper end of which is guided by abearing in the plate A. On this shaft are fixed the brushes 0 c of the commutator C and the brushes (Z d of the com mutator D. A revolving armature or magnetic yoke, F, is also mounted on this shaft,with its opposite ends or pole-pieces in close proximity to the Gramme ring. These are the essential parts of the translator without its governing or adjusting devices. I will now proceed to describe in detail the parts thus far enumerated.

The Gramme ring B is prcferabl y constructed with acore, b, of soft-iron wire, wound into an annular coil. wound two series of coils, the high and low reistance induction-coils. The low-resistance coils O O consist of a few turns of coarse insulated wire wound directly upon the core. The high-resistance coils D D consist of many turns of comparatively fine insulated wire The wound around the low-resistance coils;

Around this coil are construction is clearly shown in Fig. 2. The several coils of each series have their terminals connected to one another serially and to the respective segments of the corresponding commutator, as is usual in the winding of Gramme-ring armatures. In the construction shown there are twenty-four coils to each series; but more orless maybe made, as desired. The coils are wound with radial centers and parallel sides, leaving angular gaps between them on the outer side of the ring. These gaps are filled with angular core projections a a, each of which is slipped into the core b from the outside, having the shape shown at the right in Fig. 2. These core projections are built up of thin sheets of iron stamped out to the outline shown in Fig. 2, those at the outside being successively shorter, in order to give them a wedge shape (in plan) to till the angular gaps between thecoils. These projections a a constitute, substantially, a part of the core, the effect being analogous to that of a core having such projections formed upon it, as in the Brush armature.

The low-resistance coils O O are connected .to the segments of the commutator O, and the high-resistance coils D D are connected to the segments of the commutator D. The method of making these connections is clearly shown in Fig. 2.

The high-resistance commutator D is swept by brushes (Z (Z, which are carried by arms 6 e, fixed to the shaft E, but insulated therefrom and from each other. Their construction is shown in Fig. 5, the brushes being mounted in clamps pivoted on the rods and pressed against the commutator by the torsional tension of adjustable spiral springs e c. From the clamp of each brush (1 a wire, d, leads and passes into a vertical groove in the shaft E, (see Figs. 2, 3, and 5,) through which it ascends to one or other of two insulated grooved rings, f f,

- carried by the shaft near its upper end. In

the grooves of these rings restthe ends of takeoff clamps I I, Fig. 2, the construction of which is shown in Fig. 6. They are divided, the halves coming together to engage the grooved rings, and being then clamped in place by nuts on screws 1 1-, which are fixed to, but insulated from, the plate A. From these screws 1 I wires '(notshown) lead eventually to the two high-resistance bindingpostsH H.

The low-resistance commutator G is swept by brushes 0 0, carried by arms 9 g, which are fixed to the shaft E, but insulated therefrom and from each other in like manner to the arms 6 e. The brushes are mounted in clamps in the same manner as the brushes d d. The electrical connection is from each brush through its clamp and its arm 9 to a screw, 9, Fig. 4, by which the arm is fastened to the yoke F, Fig. 3. This yoke consists of a horizontal cross-plate, Z, mounted diametrically on the shaft '13, with vertical cores m in extending U downward from the ends of this plate and terminating in laterally-extended pole-pieces or plates n a, which curve as close to the Gramme ring B as possible, but do not touch it. On the cores m m are wound coils G G, of coarse insulated wire, which terminates at screwsZ 13, which screws pass through the iron yokeplate Z. The screws t 1., near opposite ends of the yokeplate, make contact with conductingplates h h, which extend thence toward and beyond the middle, their ends being formed with are shaped slots h h, through which projeet the screws g. The screws 11 i and g and the plates hare all insulated from the yokeplate Z. The screws 9 g serve not only to make electrical connection between the commutator-mushes c c and the plates h h, but also to mechanically clamp together the brush-arms g and the magnetic yoke F. By loosening these screws the arms and yoke can be adjusted to different relative angles, the screws 9 g mov ing in the arcshaped slots h It. From the screws Z i the electric connection is continued through wires j j, the former of which ex tends up througha groove in the shaft E to a grooved ring, it, and the latter of which communicatcs through a plate, j, with a grooved ring, it. In the grooves of these rings Z; k rest the ends of takeoff clamps J J, (duplicates of the clamps I I.) which lead to opposite fastening-screws, J J, Figs. 1 and 3. From these screws the connections lead eventually to the low-resistance binding-posts L L, Fig. 1. All these circuit-connections may be readily traced in the diagram, Fig. 7. The high-resistance circuit extends from one post, 11+, by wire 5, to take-off clamp I, and thence through grooved ring f, wire d, brush d, commutator D, to outer coils, D D, of ring B, thence back by commutator D, the other brush d, wire d, ring f, and clamp I, and by wire 6, switch M, wire Land wire 8 to the other post, H. The low-resistancecircuit extends from one post, L+, by wire 9, to clamp J, thence by ring it, wire j, screw 1', through one coil G by SCleWt, plate 71, screw arm 9, brush 0, commutator G to the inner coils of ring B, thence back by commutator O, the other brush c,arm g, screw g, plate It, screw 1', the other coil G, screw i, wirej, ring It, clamp J, and by wire 10, switch N, and wires 11 and 12 to the other post, L.

It will be observed that the coils G G receive a continuous current in one direction, whereby the yoke F is magnetized, the plates n n constituting its opposite poles. The flow of the primary current through the coils of the Gramme ring 13 develops diametricallyopposite poles therein, as is well understood, and these poles revolve with the commutatorbrushes. The yoke F is arranged with its N pole adjacent to the S pole in the ring, and with its S pole adjacent to the N pole in the ring, thereby forming a magnetic bridge extending diametrically from one pole of the ring to the other, the effect of which is to establish a closed magnetic circuit, and, consequently, to intensify the magnetic excitation of the ring. This effect will result whether the yoke is an electro-magnet or a permanent the lever.

magnet or a simple bridge of soft iron; but I -prefer to render it an-electromagnet by supplying the coils G G, as thereby the magnetization of the ring is increased by induction from the yoke.

\ The yoke is utilized as an electro-motor for driving the commutator-brushes by setting it on the shaft E, with its pole-pieces slightly behind the poles in the ring, so that the latter, as they advance, will continually attract the yoke, causing it to revolve, and thereby revolving the shaft E with the brushes. The relative angles of the yoke and brushes may be adjusted (within reasonable limits) with out disturbing the electrical connections by loosening thescrews g g and turningthe parts to the desired relative positions, which is permitted by the arc-shaped slots h h, and then tightened the screws again.

\Vhile prefer to drive the commutatorbrushes by means of an electro-motor, I wish it understood that I am notlimited thereto, as it is not essential that the machine be self-propelling. In situations where there is shafting turning at uniform speed the motor may be omitted, and the shaft E may be belted or geared to the shafting or other-source of power. In that case the yoke F will still be used either with or without the coils G G. In that case also it may be necessary to provide some other means of regulating the machine than the one which I shall presently describe.

In constructing a practical electric translator it is highly important that it be made capable of governing or regulating itself, in order not only to give uniform results when running with uniform conditions in both the primary and secondary circuits,-but also to adapt itself to varying conditions of one or both of these circuits, in order to compensate for such variations. It should be so constructed that the electrician in charge may adjust it to any given conditions of primary current and of consumption of energy in the'secondary circuit, and having so adjusted it he may leave it running with the knowledge that it will automatically provide (within reasonable limits) for the maintenance of the required conditions, notwithstanding considerable change made from time to time in the-demands upon the secondary or consumption circuit. It should also, when desired, be capable of compensating irregularities in the primary or supply circuit, although these are usually less in degree than those arising in the secondary.

To this end my invention provides an electrically-controlled brake for governing the speed of revolution of the shaft E. This brake is applied througlra lever, which carries the armatures of two oppositely-acting electromagnets or groups of electro-maguets, adjustable springs being provided to press against The action of the magnets is controlled by switches, by means of which either group of magnets may be cutoutlimb by limb. Other adjustments are also provided.

Before describing the electrical arrangements and operation I will describe the mechan ical construction of this brake and its operating mechanism. Referring to Fig. 2,the shaft E is stepped upon a coned pivot, p, fixed at the bottom of an oil well or cup,K,whichholdsa quantity of oil tolubricate the stepped bearing of the shaft. The upper end of the shaft is reduced at q, forming a journal which rotates in a sleeve,O, which sleeve is steadied by a tube,q, forming part of a cap. g, which is fastened to the top plate, A. The sleeve 0 is stationary, being pivoted by a universal joint to the middle of a lever, P. The bottom of this sleeveis formed with a disk, 0, which comes in contact with a disk, E, which is fixed on the shaft E, and turns therewith. An oil-cup, K, is fixed on the shaft, and incloses the disks E O andjournal q, so that these parts run in oil, thereby reducing friction to the minimum. The disk 0 constitutes the friction-brake,being pressed downwardly against the disk E, with a press ure Varying from time to time. This pressure is communicated to it through the lever P. This lever extends horizontally over the machine, and is jointed at its opposite ends to rods 0 0, which extend thence downward, and bear the armatures of the respective regulating-magnets or groups of magnets T S. The levcrP has two fulcrum-bearings, f and f, and is itself formed with coinciding pivot-holes, through either of which a fulcrum-pin,p,may be passed. In this way the fulcrum may be shifted to either side of the center of the lever. Adjustable retractingsprings a and a are placed under the opposite arms of the lever.

Vith the fulcrum at the left, as shown in Fig. 2, the magnet S, when excited, acts to apply the brake, while the excitation of the magnet T tends to release the brake. If the fulcrum is shifted, the effect of the two magnets is reversed.

The magnets T S each consist of four coresv screwed into one base-plate, each core being wound with an independent coil.

The armatures is of the respective magnets, T S, are magnetically connected with the baseplatcs thereof, through the medium of central cores, i and s, respectively. These cores have the armatures fastened to their upper ends, and are screwed upon the rods 0 0, being thus vertically adjustable upon the rods, in order to bring the armatures closer to or farther from the ends of the four fixed cores of the magnets, and thereby increase or decrease the strength of the attraction. To permitof their vertical movement, they are passed freely through holes in the base-plates.

The magnet T is the direct magnet, its coils being installed serially in the primary and secondary circuits, while the magnet S is the shunt-magnet, its coils beinginstalled in derivation. I will now explain the electrical c011- nections. of these coils with referenceto Fig. 7, where the four coils of each magnet are shown as if arranged in a row side by side. The magnet T has two coarse-wire coils,ct a for the lowtension circuit, andtwo coils, b bfloffiner wire,

for thehigh-tension circuit. The magnetShas four high-resistance fine-wire coils, c c d The eight coils make their connections through four switches,M NM N. (Shown also in their preferred form in Fig. 1.) Thehigh-resistance switches M M have their levers connected by wires 7 and 8 with the bindingpost H. The low-resistance switches N N have theirlevers connected by wires 13 12 and 11 12 respectively, with the binding-post L. Each switch has four contact buttons or plates, numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Nos. 1 and 2 connect with the like-numbered coils; No. 3 connects with the main circuit, cutting out the coils, and No. 4 is ablind contact having no connection.

The coils of the shunt-magnet S are controlled by the shunt-switches N and M. Button N o. l of the switch N connects by wires 14 15 with coil 0, whence wires 16 17 lead to main wire 9, and thence to the other bindingpost. Button No. 2 connects by wire 18 with coil 0 whence wires 19 15 lead to coil 0, as

before; hence if the lever of this switch be switches M N the action of the shunt-magnet S may be controlled at pleasure, either one or two or neither of its coils being excited by a shunt from either the primary or secondary circuit.

The coils of the magnet T are controlled by the direct switches M N, which have their buttons 1 and 2 connected with the coils Z) I) and a a respectively,in precisely-similar manner to that already described with reference to switch N, except that they are connected in series instead of shunt. Thus, if switch M, for instance, be turned to button No. 1, the entire high-tension current passes through coil b, and if it be turned to No. 2 the entire current passes through coils b and b in series.

Contacts No. 3 of the direct switches M N are used to cut out the coils of magnet T,causing the current to flow from one binding-post, through the commutator and Gramine ring, to the other bindingpost. The contacts No. 3 of the shunt-switches M N are used to shortcircuit the commutator and ring, causing the current to fiow from one binding-post directly to the other, and thereby throwing the machine out of action.

I will now proceed to describe how the regulation of the machinefor different conditions is effected. The most important conditions are four in number, namely: A, translating high-tension currents into low-tension currents of uniform potential; B, translatinghigh-tension currents into low-tension currents of uniform volume; 0, translating low-tension currents into high-tension currents of uniform potential; and, D, translating low-tension currents into high-tension currents of uniform volume. I will state the principal adjustments for these four conditions.

A. High into low tension, uniform p0tentiaZ.-- Probably the most frequent use to which my machine will be put is to operate incandescent lights in multiple are from an arc circuit. The are circuit then becomes the primary and the incandescent circuit the secondary. The former has a uniform current of varying tension. The latter must have a uniform potential with a varying current, which should increase or diminish in-proportion as more or fewer lamps are lighted. In such case the are circuit from which the machine is to be fed is connected to the binding-posts H H, and the incandescent or consumption circuit is connected to the posts L L. To adapt my machine for this service, the fulcrum-pin of the lever P is put through the left-hand hole f, the left-hand spring a is slackened, and the right-hand spring a is tightened until the pressure on the brake is relieved, so that the machine will start freely when the current is turned on. The coils of the magnet T may be shunted out by turning the switches M N to the contacts 3 3. The switches M N may be turned to the contacts 1 1, thereby shunting one primary and one secondary coil of the magnet S into derivation with the primary and secondary circuits, respectively, or to contacts 22, thereby shunting two coils into each circuit, or otherwise, as may be required. When the machine is started, its speed gradually increases until the difference of potentials at the binding'posts becomes sufficient to shunt a derived current through the coils c d Sllffi-- cient to so magnetize the magnet S as to attract its armature s, which pulls down the lever 1?, overcoming the tension of the spring a, and applying the brake O, which checks the speed of rotation and reduces the secondary current to a given potential. The potential of the secondary current will depend upon, first, the number of coils of the shunt-magnet S in circuit; second, the proximity of the armature s to its poles; third, the retractile force exerted against the magnetS; and, fourth, the variations that may occur in the primary current. So long as the primary current re mains uniform and the resistance in the secondary circuit is unchanged and the adjustments of "the machine are not altered, the potential of the secondary current will remain constant. A given potential being desired, the machine must be so adjusted as to supply that potential. If it be too low for the requirements, it may be raised by either one or more of the following adjustments: First, by cutting out one or more coils of the magnet S from either the primary or secondary circuit; or, second, by moving the armature s farther from the poles of the magnet; or, third, by increasing the retractile force exerted against the magnet S, and, conversely, to lower the potential the opposite of either of these adjustments may be made. To increase the retractile force,

it is necessary either (a) to slacken the spring a, or (b) to tighten the spring a, or (c) to gencrate a counter-attraction by switching one or more of the coils of magnet T into circuit, or, the latter being already in circuit, (d) to lower the armature t into closer proximity to the poles. The desired potential having been secured by adjustment,with a uniform resistance in the secondary circuit, it is necessary to ad ust for the compensation for variations of resistance in that circuit. When more lamps are lighted in multiple, the resistance decreases and the potential falls; hence the magnet S relaXes and the brake-pressure is relieved, thereby permitting the shaft to revolve faster until the original potential is restored. If the brakepressure is relieved in an insufficient ratio to effect this, or in a ratio so great as to more than compensate for it, the adjustments must be altered accordingly until a proper'compensation is effected. It is unnecessary here to give minute directions for these adjustments, as any competent electrician will be able to meet all practical requirements of adjustment after a little time given to experimental practice. Variations in the primary current may usually be ignored. The effect of a rise of potential in the primary is to increase the excitation of the coils d (1 and so apply the brake harder, thereby neutralizing the effect of the increase by reducing the speed of rotation. The effect of an increase in volume is to more strongly excite the coils b b, and consequently to relieve the brake and let the speed increase, which apparently would aggravate the effect upon the secondary current; but in fact the magnet S will act so powerfully to apply the brake that it overcomes the opposing tension of the magnet T, thus in fact reducing the variations of the attraction of the latter to simply an automatically varying retractile force.

B. High into low tension, uniform volume- The machine might be used under these conditions for driving eloctro-motors of low resistance in series in a secondary circuit fed by an arc circuit. The are circuit is connected to posts H H and the consumption circuit to posts L L, as before. The fulcrum of the lever P will be shifted to the right, spring n will be slackened, spring n tightened, and the coils a a of magnetT used as the principal regulatingcoils. The magnet S will be used as a retractile force, chiefly.

0. Low into high tension, uniform p0tentz'aZ.- If a circuit feeding incandescentlamps in multiple were desired to feed high-resistance incandescent lamps or motors in multiple, or a single arc lamp, this condition might be desirable. The feeding or supply circuit will be con-- nected to binding-posts L L and the high-tension consumption-circuit to posts H H. The fulcrum of lever P will be at the left, and the coils d d will be chiefly depended on for regulation.

D. Low into high tension, uniform WOZMML- This condition would occur if two or more are lamps in series were desired to be fed from an incandescent multiple circuit. In such a case it might prove more convenient or economical to install one of my translators in the circuit than to erect a high-tension dynamo and drive it from shafting or from a steam-engine. The machine will be fed through posts L L, and will give out its induced currents through posts II H, as in thelast case. The fulcrum of lever P will be placed at the right, and the coils b I) of magnet T will be chiefly depended on to effect the regulation.

The regulating device may be modified in various ways, as will be well understood by electricians. For instance, instead of two coils of each kind, as (do bb &c., there may be only one, or there may be three or more. The current through them may be increased or diminished by switches, or by the varying of shunted resistances, or in any other way known to electricians. Solenoids may be used in place of magnets. The grouping of the different kinds of regulating-coils may be varied in any way desired, to adapt the machine for any unusual conditions. For instance, instead of having the shunt-coils at one end of the lever P and the direct circuit-coils at the other end, the primary circuit-coils may be arranged at one end and the secondary circuit at the other. These alterations are simply matters of preference, or such changes as are within the scope of practical adaptation to suit different conditions, and do not affect the essentials of my invention, nor is my invention limited to a Gramme ring.

In Figs. 8 and 9 I have shown a modification of my invention, wherein a Siemens drum armature is used in place of a Gramme ring. The drum B is wound with coils of primary and secondary wire, each arranged in the same way as in the ordinary Siemens armatures. Fig.8shows how the respective coils are wound. I have here shown seven segments to each commutator O D, numbered from 1 to 7. Commcncing at segment 1 of commutator G, the coarse wire w passes around the drum as many times as is desired and terminates at segment 2. The fine wire 1; from segment 1 of commutator D passes around the drum alongside or outside of the coarse wire, but is wound with more turns, and terminates at segment 2. I have shown the coarse wires as having only one turn, and the flue wires as having two turns, around the drum. The yoke F, with its coils G G,is mounted on the shaft E, as before, and its pole-pieces m 77L extend down and come close against the periphery of the drum. This yoke constitutes, as before, the motor for driving the shaft, and the brushes (not shown) are carried by the shaft, as before described.

I have shown in Fig. 9 a wheel, E, which may serve as a brake-wheel. In Fig. 10 is shown a modification of the brake and regulating mechanism, wherein a brake-shoe, O, is applied to the rim of such a wheel, E. A lever, P, having interchangeable fulcra ff" is connected at its end to the core Q of a solenoid, or rather of two opposing solenoids, S

IIO

and T. The former is wound with direct and shunt coils in the low-tension circuit, and the latter with direct and shunt coils in the hightension circuit. Thus the coils and switches are seen tobe differently arranged from the construction first described. When any of the coils of the magnet S are being used as the chief regulating-coils, the fulcrumwill be at f". When coils of magnet T are so used, the fulcrum will he at f. V

The constructions and arrangements of parts shown in Figs. 8, 9, and 10 are shown simply as examples of the modifications of which my invention is susceptible.

It is 'not essential to my invention that the regulation of the machine be effected through the medium of a friction-brake,as other means of controlling the machine may be applied, as the j udgment of the meehanician or electrician may dictate. One feasible method is to vary the position of the commutator-brushes relatively to the yoke 13. It being remembered that the positions of the poles in the ring B are determined by the positions of the brushes which deliver the primary current, and that the rotation ofthe brushes is due to the lead of these poles in advance of the poles of the yoke F, it is obvious that the rotative tendency of the yoke may be varied by increasing or diminishing this lead, and that in this way the speed of rotation may be controlled. If the magnets Tand S be connected in some way to the brushes, so that as one or the other is more or less excited the brushes will be advanced or retrograded until an equilibrium is reached, a practical method is attained of regulating the machine.

Figs. 11 and 12 show a construction of trans later which is regulated on this principle. The Gram me ring revolves, carrying the commutator-segments, while the yoke F and the brushes are stationary. The magnets S and T are connected, as before, to opposite ends of a lever, P,whichin this construction is fulcru med in the middle. This lever carries brackets V V, in which are mounted traction-wheels \V V, either of which, if lowered by the descent of its side of the lever, may touch an annular rail, X, carried by the Gramme ring. Each wheel W has a pinion, w, which gears with a toothed wheel, y. The two wheels 3 are fixed on opposite ends of a shaft, Y, which is hung in fixed bearings, and carries a worm, Y. This worm meshes with a worm-wheel, Z, which is fixed. on a sleeve, 2, on which sleeve are mounted the commutator-brushes c c and (Z (Z. When one magnet, S or T, draws down its end of the lever 1?, the corresponding wheel, WV, is moved against the track X and is rotated thereby, consequently rotating shaft Y and its worm, and consequently turning the worm-wheel and the brushes either forward or back. When it is desired to regulate by the opposite magnet-by S, for example, if T has been usedthe tendency would be to turn the brushes in the wrong direction. To correct this, I provide two worms, Y, one having a right-hand and the other a left-hand thread, and both arranged to slide like a sleeve on the shaft Y, and to be fastened thereon by aset-screw. In shifting from one magnet to the other I slide this sleeve until the other worm is in mesh with the wheel Z. The wheel turns at the same time. The brushes and sleeve 2 may turn with the wheel and be afterward set to place, or a set-screw, 2, may be loosened and the brushes held stationary while the wheel Z turns, after which it is tightened again.

It is obvious that with my translator it is immaterial whether the coils are stationary and the yokeand brushes revolve, or the coils revolve while the yoke and brushes-are stationary.

By the term commutator as used herein I mean both the commutator segments and the brushes. Either of these members may be stationary and the other rotative. By a retary commutator I mean a commutator one member of which is rotative, as distinguished from a vibratory commutator.

Vhile my invention is designed chiefly for translators wherein theindueed currents are collected and rectified by a commutator,so that a single continuous induced current is delivered from the machine, yetit is apparent that it is in part applicable to those translators or transformers wherein there is no secondary commutator, and which consequently deliver alternating currents to as many distinct secondary circuits as there are distinct secondary induetion-coils. W'henever such a machine is desirable, my means of adjustment and control may be applicable, provided only that the electric motive devices in the secondary circuit by which the control is effected are of such character as to be suited to the alternating currents in that circuit.

I am aware that translators of the character just described have been proposed in which, when the rotation of the parts exceeds a certain speed, a centrifugal cut out shunts the primary circuit around the machine, thereby cutting off the current therefrom until the speed is reduced. Such a construction would be highly objectionable, inasmuch as the inductive action would cease whenever the speed became excessive, so that the lights fed by the secondary circuits would be extinguished. Inv my machine the regulation is accomplished without interruption of the primary current, it being effected by controlling the rapidity of alternation of the current in the primary coils.

I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, the features and combinations defined as follows, substantially as hereinabove set forth, namely:

1. An electric inductive translator having a series of induction-coils and a commutator for alternating the current in said coils, combined with an automatic regulating device controlling the commutator, and thereby governing the rapidity of alternation of current in the coils.

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2. An electric inductive translator having a series of inductiolrcoils and a rotary commutator for alternating the current in said coils successively, combined with an electrically-controlled regulating device acting upon the commutator, and thereby governing the speed thereof and the rapidity of alternation of current in the said coils.

3. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator, combined with an electro magnetically operated speed-regulating device for controlling the speed of rotation of the commutator.

4. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator, combined with a speedregulating device for controlling the speed of rotation of. the commutator, and an electromagnet installed in the secondary circuit, connected to and actuating said speed -regulating device.

5. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator, combined with a speed regulating device for controlling the speed of rotation of the commutator, and an electromagnet; installed in the primary circuit, connected to and adapted to influence said speedregulating device.

6. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator, combined with a speedregulating device for controlling the rotation of the commutator, an electro-magnet installed in the primary circuit, and an electro'magnet installed in the secondary circuit, both of said magnets being connected to and adapted to influence said speed-regulating device.

7. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator, combined with a speedregulating device for controlling the rotation of the commutator, electro-magnets for actuating said device, and switches for controlling the excitation of said magnets.

S. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator, combined with a speedregulating device for controlling the rotation of the commutator, an electromagnet for actu ating said device installed in one circuit, another elect-ro-magnet installed in the other circuit and tending to resist said actuatingmagnet, and means, such as described, for varying the strength of said magnets.

9. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator, combined with a speedregulating device for controlling the rotation of the commutator, oppositely-acting electromagnets for actuating said device, and adjustable retractile springs acting upon said device.

10. A11 electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator, combined with aspcedregulating device for controlling the rotation of the commutator, a lever connected at its middle portion to said device, oppositely-acting electro-magnets for actuating said device connected to said lever, and the fulcrum of said lever adjustable to either side of its point of connection with said regulating device,

whereby the action of the respective magnets may be reversed.

11. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator, combined with a speedregulating device for controlling the rotation of the commutator, an electro-magnet for actuating said device, installed in a shunt of the secondary circuit, and means, such as described, for varying the strength of said magnet.

12. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator, combined with a speedregulating device for controlling the rotatlon of the commutator, an electro-magnet for actuating said device, installed in a shunt of the secondary circuit, another electro-magnet 1nstalled serially in the primary circuit and adapted to act on said regulating device in opposition to said shunt-magnet, and means, such as described, for varying the strength oi said magnets.

13. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator, combined with a speedregulating device for controlling the rotation of the commutator, an electro magnet or magnets for actuating said device, having two or more coils installed in shunts of the primary and secondary circuits, respectively, anda switch for cutting out one or more of said coils.

14. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator, combined with a speedregulating device for controlling the rotation of the commutator, an electro magnet or magnets for influencing said device, having two or more coils installed serially in the primary and secondary circuits, respectively, and a switch for cutting out one or more of said coils.

15. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator, combined with a speedregulating device for controlling the rotation of the commutator, electro-magnets for actuating said device, with their coils installed in shunts and serially in the primary and secondary circuits, respectively, and switches for cutting out any of said coils, whereby the apparatus is adaptable to ditTerent conditions of use.

16. An electric inductive translator having arotary commutator, combined with a frictionbrake for controlling the rotation of the commutator, and electromagnetic devices for appl ying said brake.

17. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator, combined with africtionbrake for retarding the rotation of the commutator, an electro-magnet tending when excited to apply said brake, another electromagnet tending when excited to release said .brake, and means, such as described, for varying the relative pull of said magnets.

18. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator with its rotating member mounted on a shaft, combined with a frictionbrake constructed to act longitudinally of said shaft, andregulating electro-magnets adapted to press said brake against said shaft with varying tension.

19. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator, combined with a vertical shaft carrying the rotating member thereof, a stepped bearing for lower end of said-shaft,

v an oil-cup borne by the upper part of said magnetically-operated speed-regulator for con-' trolling the rotation thereof.

22. An electric inductive translator having a series of induction-coils, a rotary commutator for alternating the current in said coils successively, an electromotor for driving the brushes of said commutator, and an adjustable connection between the moving member of said motor and said brushes, whereby the one may be advanced or retrograded relatively to the other.

23. An electric inductive translator having a series of induction-coils, a rotary commutator for alternating the current in said coils successively, a shaft carrying the brushes of said commutator, a magnetic bridge on said shaft arranged with its polar terminals in inductive proximity to the induction-coils,

thereby constituting an electromotor for driving said shaft and brushes, and an adjustable connection between said brushes and said bridge, whereby the lead of the brushes may be varied.

24. An electric inductive translator having a circular core wound with the inductioncoils,

a rotary commutator, and a shaft carrying the brushes of said commutator, combined with a magnetic bridge mounted on said shaft, arranged with its polar terminals in inductive proximity to the poles of said core, and an adj nstable connection between the brushes and said bridge, whereby the brushes may be advanced or retrograded, thereby varying the positions of the poles in the core relatively to said bridge.

I 25. The combination, with an electric inductive translator, its rotary commutator, and a speed-regulating device for said commutator, of an electromagnet for operating said device, constructed with two or more cores connected together and acting on one armature, and their coils installed in different circuits or branch circuits, and a switch adapted to control the currents, passing through said coils.

26. The combination, with an electric inductive translator, its rotary commutator, and a speed-regulating device for said commutator, of an electro-magnet for operating. said device, and the armature of said magnet adjustable toward or from the poles thereof to vary the pull of said magnet.

27. An elcctro'magnet consisting of two or more cores connected together through one base-plate, a single armature receiving the attraction of said cores, and the several coils connected in different circuits or branch circuits, in combination with a switch adapted to cut out one or more of said coils.

28. An electro-magnet consisting of two or more cores connected together through one base-plate, a single armature receiving the attraction of said cores,and a magnetic connection between said armature and base-plate, consisting of a core projecting from the one part and moving freely in a socket in the other.

In witness whereof I have hereunto signed my name in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

\VILLIAM MAIN.

Vitnesses:

ARTHUR (J. FRASER, GEORGE H. FRASER. 

